New shops open as others close in Newbury

Tiger Tiger, the home, gift and fashion shop recently announced a closing down sale at its Bartholomew Street shop.
The company, which won the award Independent Retailer of The Year in 2011, has stated that a second shop, in Marlborough is also closing.
Owner Allison Brook blamed the current economic climate and an increase in overheads for the closure.
“The current economic climate and increase in additional overheads – our rates have increased by more than £500 per month) –has made us re-think our business model and therefore I have made the decision to close our two shops,” said Ms Brook.
Dressmakers and also those seeking material and haberdashery may have been dismayed to discover a branch of the family business Fabricland, also on Bartholomew Street, closed on December 1.
Fabricland’s head office was unable to provide a comment as the Newbury Weekly News went to press, but anonymous Internet comments claim that the closure was also owing to rising overheads.
However, it is not all gloom and doom on the retail front, with the news that a new cheese shop has opened.
Specialist cheese shop Just Add Grapes, which is expected to be busy in the lead up to Christmas, promises a return to the days of quality produce and personal service in its Weavers Walk shop.
“Everyone is invited to sample from the extensive range of old favourites and something new from local and artisan producers,” said proprietor Greg Brighouse (pictured).
Also available for the festive season are hampers, homemade pies, quiches, biscuits and crackers.
In addition, a new pawnbroker service has opened in Newbury which also expects to be busy for very different reasons.